THE WESTERN DEPARTMENT.

Memoranda of Military Events under Gen. Fremont, for a Month Before the Fall of Lexington.

To the Editor of the New-York Times:

The efficiency or inefficiency of Gen. FREMONT, as a military commander, is a question of great practical importance at this time, for to his judgment and ability has been committed the execution of great designs. If he undoubtedly possesses military genius and skill, he ought to be retained in command of the extensive department which was given him; if, however, there is good reason to believe that he has dangerous faults as a commander, it is full time that the heavy interests of the West should be put under the control of some one else.

Gen. FREMONT never had any opportunity of displaying military ability before he was sent to St. Louis, and therefore it is by his record there that he is to be judged.

It happens that I have before me most of the numbers of the St. Louis Democrat, from the 20th of August to this time, and I will give a brief statement of the acts of Gen. FREMONT and of the events in Missouri, as they are stated in that paper, which is his organ. I will premise this, that as the General has lately arrested Mr. RAMSEY, the editor of the St. Louis Evening News, a strong Union paper, for publishing an account of the battle at Lexington reflecting upon the General, it is evident that he acts as censor of the Union Press; and as the Democrat, always, the organ of Col. BLAIR, has taken side against the Colonel, and strongly sustains Gen. FREMONT against Col. BLAIR, I assume that the Democrat may properly be regarded as the exponent of Gen. FREMONT's views and purposes, and therefore I will make mention of its editorials, as containing evidence of the designs of the General. I will note the number of "orders" issued by the General, appearing in his organ, as I have been impressed with the very great amount of military printing they show.

In the Democrat, of Aug. 20, orders up to No. 36 had been issued.

In the Democrat, of Aug. 24, is given a description of a great, military camp, which the General is establishing near the Fair grounds.

The same number contains a leading editorial, headed, "The War -- What bus been done -- What is to be done -- Fremont." After giving a plan of carrying on the war, two purposes are stated, "one to drive the enemy from Missouri, and the other to carry the war into the Cotton States." The writer, in giving FREMONT's purposes, adds:

"NAPOLEON often raised his armies quickly. Since General FREMONT came here we have seen what may be done toward making an Army when a man of talent has the thing in hand, and means to do it. FREMONT had not been in St. Louis twenty-four hours till his power was felt through the Mississippi Valley. * * At that moment there was but one point in our State which which was at all able to withstand the foe. That was Springfield. LYON possibly could keep the field there, but no other point was tenable if assailed. Men, provisions, soldiers' clothing, muskets, rifles, cannon, wagons, tents, horses, mules, everything to make an Army, began to pour in upon us, and they are still pouring in. On the east all the ports were strengthened, and the enemy checked -- then and at the earliest moment that it was possible, reinforcements were ordered to Springfield, but it was too late for the battle. FREMONT came here July 20, not one month ago. Aug. 23 finds St. Louis with an army of -- we will not say how many tens of thousands. Gen. PILLOW may find out in another way. If FREMONT, acting plenary power here, may do what he has done in this short time, what might not Mr. CAMERON have done in live months? The difference is all in men. The native talent, the cultivated energy, the intensified force of will, the habit of mastering details, and a practical understanding of the maxim which tells you when you have anything to do to do it, explains the mystery."

The size of the army Gen. FREMONT had at that time collected in St. Louis the Democrat prudently conceals, but puts them down by "tens of thousands." General orders ran up to No. 41.

The Democrat, of the 27th of August, under head of "Interesting from Rolla," gives an account of the release by the rebels of our soldiers, adding that they were compelled to swear not to fight against the rebels. This article says:

We learn that the main body of MCCULLOCH's army now amounts to about 40,000 men, and is gradually moving towards Jefferson City. It is plain that a tremendous effort is making to conquer Missouri for the cause of treason. Unless corresponding and superior exertions are opportunely put forth to frustrate and overwhelm him, there will remain an incalculable amount of suffering in store for Missouri."

This number of the Democrat publishes the General's order No. 80.

Gov. GAMBLE also called out 42,000 State Militia.

We see here that Gen. FREMONT kept his eye upon the immense number of rebel troops collecting in Southwest Missouri.

The letter from Rolla shows the immense depredations at Springfield. "Every store in Springfield has been perfectly cleaned out, even to the crinoline frames."

The Democrat of 27th August gives a fine account of the encampments around St. Louis, and the rapid arrival of troops. "Cavalry and infantry are daily pouring in by the company or by the regiment. The Twenty-second Indiana had arrived, and also the Twenty-fourth Indiana. Orders ran up to No. 86. The letter from Springfield showed there were four hundred of our sick and wounded in the hands of the rebels, and it will be recollected that the barbarians, when FREMONT's proclamation was issued, threatened these prisoners the same fate that FREMONT awarded to those he should take after his proclamation, which I presume is the reason that Gen. FREMONT does not shoot the traitors as he threatened.

This number presents quite a striking view of the disaster at Springfield. Under the head of "the Prospect," it says this slaughter and defeat was needed. Coupling it with the blow at Manassas, the organ says:

"They (these two defeats) cannot fail to result in incalculable good. * * At present extensive preparations are progressing with novel swiftness in the Department of the West. Men, means, money are forthcoming in refreshing abundance at the bidding of the indomitable. Pathfinder. * * If the skill and energy of FREMONT in the West shall be exerted by the Government and its military chiefs in the East, we shall rest satisfied that our State and the country are safe."

On Aug. 28 the Democrat prints Order No. 98. Various articles in that number show the terrible depredations of the rebels throughout the State, who were running unrestrained everywhere. Kansas City also was threatened, in the county adjoining Lexington.

A new barracks erected corner of St. Ange and Hickory streets for Gen. FREMONT's Body Guard, "three hundred men, a horse to each man, are now quartered there. The officers of this cavalry regiment are to be appointed by Gen. FREMONT himself."

It thus appears that the General has a Body Guard of one thousand mounted men.

I believe that Gen. MCCLELLAN has one hundred and fifty. It can thus be understood why Gen. FREMONT needed one steamboat for himself, Staff, and Guard, when he went to Cairo. The cost of Gen. FREMONT's Body Guard, a mounted regiment, would be an interesting item, but I am not familiar with such matters. Its proper expense would include the "new barrack" erected for the Guard. It is at a spot convenient to the new Head-quarters of the General, the residence of Mrs. BRANT, a millionaire, for which she receives a rent of $6,000 a year.

On Aug. 29, the orders in the Democrat ran up to No. 96. A dispatch in the paper is headed "From Lexington -- The Rebels overrunning Lafayette, Ray and other Counties. -- Mr. VAUGHN, an old and well known citizen of Lexington, "came to St. Louis for the purpose of consulting with Gen. FREMONT in reference to the alarming condition of things" at Lexington. The rebels, he stated, were overrunning the country -- the Home Guard at work fortifying the place. The article adds: "Mr. VAUGHN, we regret to learn, was not able to procure an interview with Gen. Fremont yesterday."

The Democrat, of Aug. 30, says a letter from Weston shows the activity of the Secessionists in collecting forces to march towards Lexington. The article, headed "Learning War," says:

"Here, in the West, at this centre of operation for the Western Department, every attentive observer may see with what vigor and energy the great work goes on. It is not best to publish details, but it need not, and cannot be concealed, that a military force is gathering here, and is being organized and equipped, which, if it belonged to the enemy, would render the cause of the nation hopeless. * * * No red-tape restrictions now encumber the Pathfinder. A known and proved man, he is generously trusted by a wise and appreciative Government; and the mighty hosts of the broad Northwest are coming with banners, to tread in the path which they and the nation trust this leader to find."

In the Democrat, of Aug. 81, is FREMONT's proclamation of martial law and freedom to slaves of rebels. The orders run up to No. 107.

A communication from "Aaron," from Calhoun County, Illinois, complaining that he had been to St. Louis to see the General on business, and could not get access to him.

An announcement appears than "flying artillery brigades occupied an important place in European warfare," and Gen. FREMONT had authorized such a "brigade" in Missouri, to be raised by "Capt. PFENNIGHAUSEN," a foreign officer.

The Democrat, of Sept. 2, gives an account of the first battle at Lexington between 4,500 rebels and 430 Home Guards. Also an account of the capture of St. Joseph by the rebels. In an article headed "The Defence of St. Louis -- Fortifications and Intrenchments," it states that for ten days some hundreds of laborers had been employed on them. These defensive works, I believe, are estimated to cost $1,000,000 -- and a late letter from St. Louis says that the contract for the digging was given to a California friend of the General's without advertisement.

The Democrat's editorial on the 2d, headed "Martial-law in Missouri," says the General will execute Martial law within very wide lines, including therein thousands of the rebel Army, with Gens. PRICE, RAINS, Gov. JACKSON, &c. "No other course than that adopted by FREMONT can give peace to distracted Missouri."

The Democrat, of Sept. 4, under caption, "From Springfield," slates that PRICE was marching toward Jefferson City, with from ten to fifteen thousand troops.

"By the Pacific -- Interesting from Franklin," says: "At Jefferson City there are numerous exaggerated rumors of the advance of Gen. PRICE, with fifteen or twenty thousand men, toward the capital."

The letter "From Jefferson City" shows that "Col. MULLIGAN started for Lexington with only his single regiment."

The letter from St. Joseph shows that the rebels held the place, committing great depredations.

In the Democrat, of Sept. 6, we have an "Account of the tragedy on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad by burning the bridge across Platt River."

The letter from Jefferson is important, and gives strong warning of the approach of PRICE to Lexington. It says:

"It is suggested that Gen. PRICK's destination may be Lexington. It is sufficiently certain that in having taken the road to Osceola, he has gone considerably out of the way, if he intends making this point; but the road is said to be much better than the shorter one from Warsaw. But at the same time there is an excellent road from Osceola to Lexington. Should he be making for this latter place, it is feared he may fall upon Col. MULLIGAN, who was yesterday morning at California. * * * The rebels are strongly increnched at a bridge over the Tabeaux, eight or ten miles from Lexington. When Col. MULLIGAN arrives, he will take command of the post."

Two articles from Northeast Missouri show MARTIN GREEN, with 2,000 men, to be ravaging the country, and pursuing HURLBUT, who had 1,000; and afterwards GREEN crossed the river at Glasgow, and captured the steamer Sunshine, said to have on board large army supplies, including 4,500 muskets.

The editorial is upon the "calamitous condition of Missouri," and says: "In common with many of our fellow-citizens, we are forced to regard the present posture of affairs in Missouri as in a high degree alarming and threatening."

The Democrat, of Sept. 7, shows that Jefferson City is being fortified.

In the Democrat of the 9th, the letter from Jefferson City is full of distressing accounts of depredations by the Secessionists, and reports of the coming of PRICE's army, and fears an attack there. It says:

"Meanwhile we lie on our oars discussing the probability of Jefferson City being taken. Why should Jefferson City be in any more danger than New-York? We are only 125 miles from headquarters. We talk about restoring peace to these miserable counties, and yet are not secure even of the positions from which we are to send them aid. What is the matter? Out with it. In God's name, how long is this to last?"

"But it is a bitter thing to have to chronicle no victories of Union men. Since the death of LYON, and the calamitous evacuation of the South west, the whole country is over-ridden. The declaration of martial law is so much waste of rhetoric, where there are no means provided for its enforcement. This hotel is crowded with men waiting until it shall be safe for them to return home. Among them are Major MARVIN, member of the Convention, Dr. SHEDDEN, G.R. SMITH, Adjutant-General of the State troops, Mr. LOWE, Secretary of the Convention, and others."

And the editorial says:

"FREMONT's bold proclamation of martial law has commanded and still receives the profoundest attention throughout the country. * * FREMONT's proclamation of freedom to the slaves of rebels has already effected great good."

The Democrat of Sept. 10 contains a full description of the "Benton barracks," to accommodate 20,000 men -- ten buildings, 48 feet wide and 7,550 feet in length -- the works, although not then completed, had cost over $80,000. In addition, for the General's quarters, a "neat two-story frame house, 40 feet square, containing 8 rooms for the apartments of the General and staff," had been erected within a week. This cost $1,500: also another addition of a building, 48 feet wide, and 360 feet long was being erected for the field officers.

So much from the Democrat's description of the "Benton Barracks." They were inaugurated by the General on the 17th, while MULLIGAN was fighting at Lexington.

The Democrat of Sept. 11, under the head of "Dispatching Work," the paper, in speaking of the same head-quarters, at Benton Barracks, says they were begun on Tuesday, the 3d, and all finished, 48 by 38 feet, on the 10th -- "two stories high, surrounded by a veranda nine feet wide, and surmounted by an observatory."

So much for the sanctum of Gen. FREMONT, at Camp Benton, just about two miles and a half from his permanent head-qudrters, at his cousin's, Mrs. BRANT's, for which he pays $6,000 a year rent.

The editorial, "from the Southwest," says that Gens. RAINS, PARSONS and PRICE were near Osceola. Democrat, of Sept. 13: It also gives an account of a "brilliant military and civic display" in St. Louis, by Gen. FREMONT, on presenting a banner.

In the Democrat of Sept. 14, the letter from Jefferson says:

"Messengers just arrived this morning announce the startling intelligence that on Monday morning, PRICE, RAINS, and CLAIB, JACKSON had arrived at Warrensburg, only thirty-five miles from Lexington. * * Their united force is estimated at 15,000."

A second letter says MULLIGAN had dispatched a messenger announcing PRICE's approach. A letter headed "Affairs in St. Joseph," says:

"All we can hear confirms previous reports that the Secessionists have full possession of St. Joseph, and are doing pretty much as they please in that city."

They seized the steamer Omaha, drove out the Union men, and robbed the stores. The article closes thus:

"The Union men and their property, in St. Joseph and the surrounding country, are completely at the mercy of the rebels, and demand the immediate interposition of Federal arms, to save them from annihilation."

In contrast with this is the editorial, "A Reign of Order."

"At no time in her history was St. Louis more tranquil than she is under FREMONT's martial sway. At the military pageant on Thursday, to welcome home the warriors, the thronging multitudes appeared to be unanimously for the Union."

This must have been consoling to the people at St. Joseph, Lexington, and elsewhere outside of St. Louis. The same day Gen. FREMONT makes a speech to the school children, and as reported in the Democrat, opened thus:

"MY DEAR YOUNG FRIENDS: It is with feelings of mingled surprise and gratitude that I behold this beautiful throng at youths and misses of this city, buoyant with health, life and beauty," &c.

In the Democrat of 16th Sept. there are two editorials upon the charges against Gen. FREMONT, in which this passage occurs:

"The charges against Gen. FREMONT are said to be various, and among them are, that he is entirely too exclusive at his head-quarters; that he is surrounded by and given over to a clique of Californians and foreigners, and that his last proclamation is an Abolition document."

It appears by the Democrat that the General had another parade that day. Its article is -- "The Body-Guard Out."

"Shortly after 5 o'clock last evening, Gen. FREMONT's body guard, 'mounted on magnificent horses, drew up opposite his head-quarters, accompanied by the celebrated KOSTE silver cornet band. Capt. ZAGONY bestrode a magnificent gray charger, which is full of fire and well adapted to set off to advantage the excellent horsemanship of the dauntless captain. The band played several airs in its usual faultless style. * * * The interest of this scene was not at all detracted from by the countenance lent to it by several ladies, who appeared at one of the windows of the large and elegant building known as Gen. FREMONT's head-quarters."

In the Democrat, of Sept. 17, is FREMONT's official account of the escape of MARTIN GREEN.

The editorial is, first, on the arrest of Col. BLAIR; second, on the complaints against FREMONT for inefficiency. The article compares FREMONT's case to that of Gen. SCOTT, and says his plans are yet undeveloped, and that he did good service in Europe in giving the right direction there to public opinion. The article says:

"With FREMONT's heroic energy, and almost magical efficiency, since he arrived to take command of the Military Department of the West, the country is familiar. He had not merely to assure Missouri to the Union, but to restore to it the seceded States of the Mississippi Valley. His plan could not be narrowed to meet the urgent needs of Missouri alone. While it included these, it must temporarily subordinate many of her immediate interests to the grand work before him."

He let Springfield, Lexington and the balance of the State go to prepare to move on New-Orleans.

The Democrat says, the review at Camp Benton, which had been twice previously announced in editorials, had again to be postponed, because "the condition of the ground was such that the tramp of the horses, going through the evolutions of the review, would do much toward marring the present smooth and beautiful appearance of the grassy, plain, around which the barracks extend."

The letter from Jefferson announces PRICE's proximity to Lexington, and says that he is bound to fight, for "FREMONT's Anaconda" has got him:

"A few days must inevitably bring on a conflict, and if all these columns, are properly strengthened, as there is no other conjecture left but that they will be, for FREMONT has the power to strengthem them all except LANE's column from St. Louis, the result cannot for a moment be doubtful. PRICE wiped out, JACKSON crushed, Missouri redeemed, then for a trip down the Mississippi, and on to Memphis."

FREMONT made bad work of his anaconda.

The Democrat, of the 18th September contains a dispatch from Lexington andouncing the investment of the place by PRICE with his army. This is the day the glorious account is given of the "Dedication of Camp Benton -- the Military Review," etc. The article from the General's organ at this time is so remarkable that it is given in full.

"The promise of a grand military entertainment yesterday afternoon, attracted several thousand ladies and gentlemen of the city to the encampment at the Fair Grounds. The fair weather and the excellent condition of the roads, and a desire to behold the many interesting and novel features of a great camp, had probably additional influences in drawing out the multitude.

At the hour appointed the carriages of visitors were thronging the southeast entrance to the camp, and crowds of pedestrians were pouring in, anxious not to be too late to witness the opening ceremonies of the occasion. The carriages, between three and four hundred in number, were stationed in order, in two lines, along the northeast of the grounds.

Shortly after 3 o'clock the whole force of the camp, composed of several regiments of infantry, including the three companies of regulars lately from Springfield, a large body of cavalry, including the splendid Fremont body guard, and four artillery companies, including Capt. TOTTEN's renowned battery, formed along the south side of the grounds, under the immediate command of Major STEELE, Gen. CURTIS, commander of the camp, having general control and superintendence of arrangements.

Marching from this first position to the centre of the grounds, the whole body formed in close column, immediately in front of the General's head-quarters, and facing east. Gen. FREMONT, accompanied by Generals CURTIS and SIEGEL, and several members of his staff, stood with his head uncovered on the stand immediately in front of the great body of the soldiers.

There was a moment of silent recognition and respect paid to the great man, when Gen. CURTIS ordered three cheers for the flag of our Union, which was given by the men as heartily and with as much unanimity as if they had been drilled in cheering as in the use of the musket. Three cheers were then enthusiastically given for Gen. FREMONT, after which the large and beautiful silk flag, which is to wave over Camp Benton, was raised over the headquarters. Splendid martial music, and the booming of TOTTEN's Artillery, added effect to the ceremony. The spectacle was very imposing.

After the raising of the flag, the infantry and cavalry were drilled before Gen. FREMONT, who rode up and down, a studious observer of every movement, hearing the orders given and carefully studying the skill acquired by the men in carrying out all directions and in going through the manoeuvres of a thorough drill. His splendid military appearance on horseback excited the admiration of the multitude of spectators, and during the two hours of his presence on the grounds he was the object of general attention, more than all the many other interesting features of the entertainment. Gen. SIEGEL, Gen. MCKINSTRY, Gen. CURTIS, and many other distinguished military personages also gratified the curiosities of the multitude by appearing on horseback or in open carriages."

A letter from Lexington is also published the same day, but dated August 28, which, the editor remarks, had been delayed. This letter says:

"For several days past we have been hourly expecting an attack from a large force of Secessionists. * * We have dispatched messenger after messenger to St. Louis for reinforcements; up to the present time none have come; still we live in hope to defend this important post."

The Democrat, of Sept. 19, gives a description of the military hospital at Fifth and Chestnut streets, in St. Louis. The building rented is 84 feet front by 135 feet deep, five stories high, built of marble, at a cost of $200,000.

The editorial complains that five regiments had been ordered East from St. Louis, and predicts as a result, the fall of Lexington.

Gen. FREMONT released "Aubuchon," found guilty by Military Court, of treason against the United States. MISSOURI.

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A version of this archives appears in print on September 29, 1861, on Page 2 of the New York edition with the headline: THE WESTERN DEPARTMENT. Order Reprints|Today's Paper|Subscribe